> Information Architecture Design

C-Cube

Abstract:
An official website for the start-up student studio and the incubation center.

Goal:
We aim to develop a web-based system to assist young entrepreneurs and serve as an incubation center for student entrepreneurial activities.

Duration: 12 weeks

Role

Product Designer, Developer,
UX Researcher

Methods

In-Depth Interviews, Expert Reviews,
Data Analysis

Tools

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD,
HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Overview

C-CUBE is a digital initiative aimed at fostering and nurturing young entrepreneurial talents within the Commercial Design Department at the National Taichung University of Science and Technology.

We seek to provide young adult minds with the necessary resources and knowledge to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Core features and objectives:

    • Unified platform for varied needs, including student work, entrepreneurial team information, equipment rental methods, and entrepreneurial guidance.
    • In-depth information and guidance: providing insights into the entrepreneurial process, showcasing successful young entrepreneurs, and offering a pathway for students to start their own businesses.

My Role

As the Lead Designer and Developer for the C-CUBE project.

I handled every stage of the process, which included:
    1. Conceptualizing the C-CUBE philosophy and name.
    2. Designing and developing the official website.
    3. Integrating student works and entrepreneurial resources.
    4. Engaging users through social media and on-site events.
    5. Collaborating for platform expansion and continuous refinement.

> Research

In-Depth Professors Interviews

We conducted in-depth interviews with four professors at the National Taichung University of Science and Technology, each providing unique insights into the development and vision of the C-CUBE platform. The discussions revolved around topics such as equipment rental procedures, entrepreneurial guidance for students, and the integration of various services to cater to students, teachers, and business owners.

Through these interviews, we gathered valuable feedback and suggestions, such as the need for an online reservation system for equipment rental and the importance of showcasing student works and entrepreneurial achievements.

侯純純 老師:

  • Focus: Equipment rental and teaching methods for students.
  • Introduction to equipment, usage methods, operation procedures, and templates.

林承謙 老師:

  • Focus: Providing students with entrepreneurial guidance.
  • Attaching the Business development and process to the website.

邱旭蓮 老師:

  • Focus: Webpage section dedicated to equipment rental, allowing students to reserve online.
  • Guiding users in crafting effective project proposals and utilizing government project platforms.

林佩如 老師:

  • Focus: Catering to students, teachers, and business owners by introducing various services.
  • Linking to dedicated pages of entrepreneurial teams within the space.

Features & Goals

Features:

    1. Website Homepage
    2. Entrepreneurship Courses
    3. Team Residency
    4. Entrepreneurship Guidance
    5. Design Exhibition and Sales

Goals:

    1. Create an official website for the Entrepreneurship Incubation Base.
    2. Showcase student works and entrepreneurial achievements.
    3. Provide information on equipment rentals and entrepreneurial guidance.
    4. Organize and promote internal and external exhibitions.

Prototype

In the design process, I prioritized simplifying the platform interface. Using Adobe XD and Coding to craft the user interface, I strategically positioned several simple icons amplifying the visibility and impact of the “C-Cube” website.

Data Analysis

This analysis revealed several important data points and suggestions:

  • The need for a clear introduction to equipment, its usage methods, operation procedures, and templates.
  • The importance of organizing machine operation events and issuing certificates to those qualified for equipment rental.
  • The value of referencing other platform business models and attaching narratives to product development and production processes.
  • The potential benefits of collaborating with the Ministry of Education’s incubation center to guide students in finding entrepreneurial spaces.

C-Cube Information Architecture

1. Homepage:

    • Introduction to C-CUBE and its philosophy.
    • Visual simulations and actual space photos.

2. Entrepreneurship:

    • Internal courses offered (Micro-courses).
    • Registration for lecture courses.

3. Team Residency:

    • Introduction to the space.
    • Introduction to the teams.

4. Quality Activities:

    • Internal and external exhibitions.

5. Entrepreneurship Guidance:

    • Introduction to the faculty team and advisors.
    • Equipment and space introduction and borrowing.

6. Design Exhibition and Sales:

    • Student design section.
    • Design merchandise section.

 

Takeaways

The development of the C-CUBE platform at the National Taichung University of Science and Technology was informed by in-depth interviews with four professors, each offering unique insights and feedback.

Takeaways:

1. User-Centric Approach: The C-CUBE platform was designed with the primary users in mind, ensuring that students, teachers, and business owners have access to the resources and services they need.

2. Integrated Services: The platform offers a range of services, from equipment rental and entrepreneurial guidance to showcasing student works and entrepreneurial achievements.

3. Feedback-Driven Development: The feedback from the professors played a crucial role in shaping the platform’s features and functionalities, ensuring it meets the needs of its primary user base.

Next Steps:

1. Iterative Refinement: Continuously enhance the platform based on user interactions and feedback.

2. Expand Collaborations: Collaborate with other institutions and the Ministry of Education’s incubation center to expand the platform’s reach and offerings.

3. Engage with the Community: Foster a community through social media outreach and regularly provide domestic and international design knowledge to increase webpage exposure.

Xian-Hao (Harry) Liao
UX Designer

As a UX designer with experience in visual design and strategy, I thrive in collaborative environments where I can contribute my skills and resilience.

➣ Design Generalist / Xian-Hao Liao Design
➣ Master of Fine Arts / MassArt
➣ Social Research Investigator / MIT

> Contact Info

(857) 693-8315

xliao1737@massart.edu

621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

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